Beaked Whale Presence, Habitat, and Sound Production in the North Pacific
Abstract
The long-term goal of this research is to study beaked whale presence and sound production in the North Pacific. The project is motivated by the need to better understand beaked whale distribution and habitat, and the need for classification of these species from passive acoustic data. By studying beaked whale presence, habitat, and sound production, the Navy will be better prepared to conduct environmental impact assessments. In addition, fundamental information will be gained on beaked whale acoustic ecology. The specific objective of this project is to construct an abundance estimate and distribution map of beaked whale presence in the southern California region based on long-term passive acoustic monitoring data. Passive acoustic monitoring of beaked whales has only been developed over the last five years, as High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) technology has made high frequency, long-term acoustic monitoring practical. Better knowledge of beaked whale distribution and abundance is expected to lead to better understanding of the niche habitats of each beaked whale species, allowing use of environmental correlates to extrapolate distribution maps.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA531235
Entities
People
- John A Hildebrand
- Mark A. Mcdonald
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography